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Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim during the Test-camp in Chittagong revealed the unit is working hard, in order to make most of the home conditions this time around while facing Steven Smith-led Australia in the two-match Test series starting later this month.

“I think this is the right time to play against Australia and hopefully we can start well and everyone stays fit,” Rahim was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

The 30-year-old wicketkeeper batsman Rahim further stated they had failed to utilize home factor in the past, but are learning as a combination to make most out of the opportunities provided to them.

“Earlier we could not take home advantage to the fullest but we are learning to do so in the last two to three years,” Rahim added.

Moreover, Rahim stated the pitch has often helped their team, as it is further harsh to hold pitch responsible for a loss; the gloveman has expressed satisfaction while playing against quality teams while adding the different opponents included top-notch spinners as well.

“The pitch has always helped us but to be honest we were unable to capitalise on that assistance, so we don’t want to blame the conditions,” Rahim remarked.

One of the senior campaigners in the Bangladesh side, Rahim further reiterated it would be an ideal chance to have a close look at the wicket where the second Test is scheduled next month on the same wicket.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to practise on the centre wicket where we are going to play the Test match,” Rahim remarked.

Mushfiqur Rahim reveals they have a home advantage while practising in Chittagong prior to the two-match Test series against Australia. Photo Credit: Getty Images

It’s pertinent to mention the introductory squad of the Test series is undergoing a rigorous training owing to the conditional camp set-up in Chittagong where the second Test is scheduled for September 4 at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Australia will play a two-day warm-up fixture from August 22-23.

Adding to the fact, Rahim believes the series draw against England last year in October, has already boosted the morale of the players, who are working hard to continue their pleasing performance both with the bat and a ball in the longer format of the game.

“We have played many home series previously and if you have noticed there were world- class spinners, batsmen and bowlers in the opposition and we also have a few,” Rahim said.

While talking about the weather factor Rahim addressed the spinners must act accordingly owing to the difference in the temperature and pitch in Dhaka and Chittagong respectively.

“The heat in Chittagong is different from Dhaka and the soil in both venues are also different; so our spinners should also know which length they should hit,” Rahim concluded.

Rahim has amassed 3,265 runs in 54 Tests at an average of 35.48 for Bangladesh. He has smashed five hundreds and 17 fifties.

Tahir Ibn Manzoor is a staffer at Sportzwiki.com, who follows cricket like food after listening to running commentary on a transistor radio when he was only eight, and penned down the scorecard when he turned 11. Twitter, Instagram: TahirIbnManzoor